WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced that, following a public comment period, it has approved a final consent order against Progressive Chevrolet Company and Progressive Motors Inc. of Massillon Ohio.
The consent order settled allegations brought by the FTC that Progressive deceived consumers by advertising low monthly car lease prices but not disclosing other key terms of the offer, such as credit score requirements and that the payment does not include tax, title and fees.
Under the terms of the consent order, the dealers cannot advertise monthly prices without also mentioning conspicuously all qualifications or restrictions to a consumer’s ability to obtain the advertised terms. Additionally, the dealers cannot misrepresent the cost of purchasing or leasing vehicles or any materials about vehicle price, sale, financing or leasing. The dealers must disclose key terms if they advertise a certain payment amount.
The FTC voted 3-0 to approve the final consent order.